Method and apparatus for making apertured manifolds for gas stoves



March-24, 1953 s. J. HAMILTON 2,632,511

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING APERTURED MANIFOLDS FOR GAS STOVES FiledMarch 6, 1950 a Sheets-Sheet 1 After y March 5 s J. HAMILTON I 2,632,5

METHOD AND API ARATUS FOR MAKING APERTURED MANIFOLDS FOR GAS STOVESAfro/nay March 24, s J, HAMILTQN METHOD AND API ARATUS FOR MAKINGAPERTURED MANIFOLDS FOR GAS STOVES Filed March 6, 1950 I 8 Sheets-Sheet5 March 24, 1953 5, HAMILTON 2,632,511

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING APERTURED MANIFOLDS FOR GAS STOVES FiledMarch 6, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 March 1953 s. J. HAMILTON METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR MAKING APERTURED MANIFOLDS FOR GAS STOVES Filed March 6,1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 w M A 7} j w m w A A A A I A r C March 24, 1953 5.J. HAMILTON 2,632,511

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING APERTURED MANIFOLDS FOR GAS STOVES FiledMarch 6, 1950 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 s. J. HAMILTON 2,632,511 METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR MAKING APERTURED MANIFOLDS FOR GAS STOVES Filed March 6,1950 March 24, 1953 A 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 Q will?" ASj/aeszier IA 178%)?"/L, W

s. J. HAMILTON 2,632,511 PPARATUS FOR MAKING APERTURED FOLDS FOR GASSTOVES March 24, 1953 METHOD A 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed March 6, 1950INVENTOR.

l i l I r 122 l l u Patented Mar. 24, 1953 METHOD AND APPARATUS FORMAKING APERTURED MANIFOLDS FOR GAS STOVES' Sylvester J. Hamilton,Huntington Park, Caliii, assignor to OKeefe & Merritt Company, LosAngeles, Calif., a corporation of California Application March 6, 1950,Serial No. 147,871

6 Claims. 1

This invention has to do with a method and apparatus for the making ofapertured manifolds for gas stoves and it is a general object of theinvention to provide a simple, practical, CCOHOm-l? cal method ofmanufacture and apparatus for carrying out such method which is simple,practical and dependable.

The usual gas stove or cooking range provided for domestic use has a gasdistributing manifold which is in the form of a pipe of substantiallength, and this manifold has apertures in it at various points alongits length to carry, or for the reception of, various connections orfittings desired in the finished stove. Since the devices or fittingswhich are applied to a manifold must i have tight connection therewithit is common to provide the manifold with openings which are threaded ortapped so that such fittings can be threaded into the manifold.Manifolds made in accordance with methods heretofore available and withapparatus in general use have been of substantial wall thickness toprovide for necessary threads or have required rather slow complicatedswedging operations to establish the desired openings for the receptionof fittings.

It is an object of this invention to provide a method of making anapertured manifold for a gas stove whereby, with minimum handling of themanifold and With few simple, easily executed operations, a manifold ofnominal or light wall thickness is provided with a multiplicity ofapertures'at varying positions along and/or around the manifold, thewall thickness of the manifold being increased where the apertures occurto afford ample stock for adequate threads suitable for the reception ofvarious attachments or fittings.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus forconverting a simple elongate tube, such as a pipe, into a multipleapertured manifold, which apparatus confines the pipe or blank, as theapertures are formed, so that the manifold is maintained insubstantially round condition while the apertures are initially formedby punching and are thereafter enlarged by swedging.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of thegeneral character referred to wherein a plurality of tools is providedto act upon the manifold, which tools are provided with individualactuating mechanisms which are so supplied with actuating pressure thatthey may operate simultaneously or in rapid succession so that amultiplicity of apertures are formed in a manifold in a single operationor ubstantially simultaneously;

It is a further object of the invention to provideapparatus of thegeneral character referred to in whichthere'is a frame of uniqueconstruction and arrangement carrying the various essential parts of theapparatus so that they are readily accessible and operate eilicientlyand effectively.

It is a further object of the invention to provide apparatus of thegeneral character referred to in which a clamp is provided to hold theblank in place to be apertured, which clamp cooperates with a stationarypart so that the blank is completely embraced or confinedand is operatedby a toggle mechanism so that an actuating device of limited size andcapacity serves to effectively maintain the clamp in blank holdingposition as heavy pressures are applied to the blank in the course ofestablishing the apertures therein.

It is a further object of the invention to provide apparatus of thecharacter described with a series of tools that act upon the blank whileit is held in the apparatus, which tools are shiftable relative to eachother to various positions to establish apertures at various pointsalong the manifold and are provided with individual actuating mechanismseach in the form of a fluid pressure actuated mechanism to which thetool is releasably coupled.

The'various objects and features of my invention will be fullyunderstood from the following detailed description of a typicalpreferred form and application of the invention, throughout whichdescription reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a front elevation of the machine or apparatus provided by thisinvention showing a typical setting of the tools of the vertical seriesand showing the mechanism set so a blank is confined or held ready to beacted upon by the tools. Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional viewof the machine as shown in Fig. 1, being a View taken substantiallyasi'ndicatedby line 2--2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan section taken asindicated by line 3-3 on Fig.1. Fig. 4 is a view of a portion of themechanism shown in Fig. 1 showing it in a released position with amanifold that has been formed by operation of the tools thereon. Fig. 5is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a portion of the machine,being a view taken as indicated by line 55 on Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is anenlarged detailed sectional view taken substantially as indicated byline 6-6 on Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view takenas indicated by line l-'! on Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detailedsectional view taken as indicated byline 8-8 on Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a plansection of a part of the machine taken as indicated by line 9--9 on Fig.2. Fig. 10 is an enlarged detailed sectional view taken as indicated byline Iii-10 on Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is an enlarged detailed sectional viewtaken as indicated by line H-Il on Fig. 7. Fig. 12 is an enlargeddetailed sectional view showing a blank held in the machine with atypical tool in position ready to be operated into engagement with theblank. Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 showing the tool operatedfar enough to perforate or pierce the blank. Fig. 14 is a view similarto Fig. 13 showing the tool further advanced and in process of enlargingthe opening initially pierced in the blank. Fig. 15 is a View similar toFig. 14 showing the tool fully operated and the opening fully enlargedby the swedging operation. Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 13 showinga somewhat different form of tool. Fig. 1'7 is a view similar to Fig. 14showing the tool illustrated in Fig. 16. Fig. 15 showing the toolillustrated in Figs. 16 and 17. Figs. 19, and 21 are views similar toFigs. 16, 17 and 18, respectively, showing another form of tool that maybe employed and Fig. 22 is a diagrammatic View illustrating the controlsystem employed in the machine.

The apparatus or machine provided by this invention involves, generally,a frame A which forms a carrier or support for the blank B which is tobe acted upon by the machine to form the desired apertured manifold andto form a mounting or carrier for the various essential elements of themachine as will be hereinafter described. The machine further involves aclamp C which serves to hold or maintain the blank B in position to beacted upon and which cooperates with an element of the frame A so thatthe blank is confined or embraced in such manner as to be maintained inits initial form as pressures are applied to the blank in order to formthe desired apertures therein. The machine further involves an actuatingmeans D for operating the clamp C and power means E. The machine furtherincludes a plurality of tools F carried by the frame to act upon theblank and an actuating mechanism G for each tool F. Fluid pressuregenerating means H is provided to supply fluid under pressure to operatethe several actuating means G and a fluid distributing system J handlesthe actuating fluid between the means H and the several actuating meansG. The machine further involves a control system illustrateddiagrammatically in Fig. 22 of the drawings by which the operating partsof the machine are controlled and properly synchronized, to the end thatthe desired operations occur in proper sequence. a

The frame A, as provided by the invention, is a simple rigid unit orstructure characterized by spaced vertical end plates 10 that may beanchored to a suitable support by feet or brackets H, and a plurality ofbeams arranged parallel with each other and preferably extending betweenthe end plates It so that they are horizontally disposed and preferablyhaving their ends fixed or anchored to the end plates 10. In thepreferred arrangement there is a bottom beam l2, a top beam l3. a centerbeam l4 and a side beam l5 The beams l2, l3 and H! are preferablyarranged so that they are in vertical alignment, as shown in Fig. 2, andeach of these beams extends horizontally between the end plates It andhas its ends fixed to the end plates. In the preferred form of theinvention the ends of the center beam [4 are releasably secured or Fig.18 is a view similar to fixed to the plates 10 by means of suitablebrackets I5 and screw fasteners it so that this beam can be released andremoved from the other parts of the frame when desired. The side beam i5is located in the same horizontal plane as the center beam 14 and islaterally spaced from one side of the beam 14, preferably from what maybe termed the inner or rear side of the beam it, as shown in Fig. 2 ofthe drawings.

The center beam id of the frame A carries or is provided with a seat forthe reception of the blank B which is to be acted upon by the mechanism.In the form of the invention illustrated the blank is in the nature of asimple length of tubing or pipe with one end pinched closed and beingordinary pipe the blank is round in cross section. In this case the seatprovided at the center beam of the frame is in the form of a groove orchannel 2i! provided in the beam. In the particular case illustrated theseat forming channel is provided in the lower or bottom side 2| of thebeam l4 and since the blank is a simple straight pipe the seat forminggroove is a simple straight groove of uniform size and shape throughoutits length. It is preferred that the seat forming groove 20 besemi-circular in contour or extent so that it receives the upper half ofthe blank B in the manner shown throughout the drawings.

In the form of the invention illustrated the beam It provided with theseat forming groove or channel 26 has a main or body portion 22 in whichthe seat is formed and it has a depending side flange 23 preferablylocated at its inner side and depending a substantial distance below thebottom 2! of the body 22. With this arrangement the flange 23 is at theside of the beam I4 which faces or which opposes the side beam I5 asclearly shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The flange 23 has a flatvertical side 24 at or on which the clamp C operates.

The clamp C is located immediately beneath the center beam l4 andpreferably involves a body 30 in the form of a vertically disposed plateand a jaw 3| on the top of the plate and opposing the bottom 2| of thebeam M. The body 30 extends between the ends it of the frame A and hasits ends carried in vertical guides 32 provided on the inner sides ofthe plates Ill. The jaw 3| 0f clamp C is secured to the upper edgeportion of body 30 by suitable releasable fastening means 35. One side36 of the jaw 3| slidably engages the side 24 of flange 23. The jaw 3!may be substantially coextensive with the beam I 4 and, as shown in thedrawings, it is related to the beam to reciprocate vertically relativethereto. The jaw 31 is provided with a blank holding or receiving seatand in the case illustrated the desired seat is formed by a longitudinalgroove or channel 31 provided in the top 38 of the jaw. The channel 31is located immediately beneath the channel 26 provided in beam l4 andlike the channel 20 it is semi-circular in contour or cross section sothat it cooperates with channel 26 in defining a blank receiving openingthat is round in cross section and which receives the blank So the blankis completely held or confined throughout its length or at leastthroughout that portion of its length which is to be acted upon by thetools of the machine.

The actuating means D serves to operate the clamp C vertically relativeto beam l4 between a working or engaged position where the jaw of theclamp cooperates with the beam in confining the blank B and a down orreleased position where the jaw is away from beam 14 so the blank can bearranged in or removed from the machine. The down position isillustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The actuating means D asillustrated in the drawings is a mechanical means and is preferably atoggle mechanism. The particular togglemechanism illustrated involvestwo sets or pairs of toggle links 49 each of said pairs of linksincluding a lower link pivoted to the bottom beam I2 by a pivot pin 4|and an upper link pivoted to the body of the clamp by a pivot pin 42.The upper and lower links are joined by a pivot pin 43. A. connectingrod 4d connects the two pairs oftoggle links and is joined thereto bythe pivot pins 43. When the toggle links are contracted or folded asshown'in Fig. 4 the clamp is down and spaced a substantial distance fromthe beam [4,: whereas when the links are actuated to be in line or to besubstantially in line, as shown in Fig; 1;,the clamp is up andcooperatively engaged with the beam I4.

The power means E serves to actuate means D and in the form of theinvention illustrated it involves a pneumatically operated cylinder andpiston mechanism and a suitable control valve. The said cylinder andpiston mechanism'as shown in the drawings includes a cylinder 58carrying a piston 5lwhich operates a piston rod 52 that pro- J'ects fromthe cylinder and is connected to the rod 44 by a pivot pin 53. Thecylinder 50 is anchored or held by a pivot pin 54 carried by a bracket55 on the frame A. Through this construction the cylinder and pistonmechanism may rock or swing as the toggle mechanism operates between thetwo positions above described. The valve 56, which controls the cylinderand piston mechanism of means E may be a simple or conventionalreversing valve which receives fluid such as-air under pressure from asupply line 51, and when in one position it connects the supply line 51with one end of cylinder 50 through a connection 58 while the other endof the cylinder 58 is connected with an exhaust duct 59 through aconnection to. When the valve is in the other position the supply line57 is connected with the connection 60 while the exhaust 59 is connectedwith connection 58. It will thus be seen that through the valve 56 thepiston 5| can be operated in either direction in the cylinder 50. Asindi-' cated in the diagram, Fig. 22, the valve 56 i an electricallyoperated valve and is under control of a suitable solenoid or winding 6l.

The structure preferably includes a suitable stop limiting the action ofthe toggle mechanism and it is preferred that the stop be adjustable sothat the action of the mechanism may be varied as circumstances require.In the case illustrated a stoppin 65 is threaded to the frame A and maybe adjusted or set to form a positive stop limiting movement of thetoggle mechanism in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 1.

In accordance with the invention the machine may include one or moretools for acting upon the blank as it is held through the structureabove described. In the case of the usual manifold for a gas" stove itis desired that the manifold have a plurality of openings or aperturesfor the reception of various devices or fittings and therefore it ispreferred that the machine of the present invention be provided with aplurality of tools and in the preferred arrangement these tools areguided by the center beam I 4 to act upon the blank B at the desiredpoints along the blank and/or around the blank, as required. In the 6particular case illustrated I illustrate a plurality of tools actingupon the blank and I show'these tools divided, generally, into twogroups or series,

namely a vertically disposed series of tools and a they form openings orapertures therein in two rows which are spaced apart from each otheraround the central axis of the blank. It willbe apparent that the numberof series of tools may be varied, that each series may include variousnumbers of tools and that when two or more series of tools-are employedthey may be angularly related in various manners, as circumstancesrequire. In view of this circumstance it is to be understood that when Irefer to but twoseries of tools and when I refer to these as'beingvertical and horizontal such reference is merely for purpose of example.

In accordance with the present invention each tool F provided in themachine serves to first establish an opening in the blank by cutting outa slug or section of the blank, and it then acts to enlarge or expandthe opening initially formed so that the wall thickness of the blank atthe opening is increased a substantial amount and the final opening isestablished so that it is of such size as to be ready for tapping orotherwise receiving finishing operations or fittings as circumstancesrequire. The specific details or formations of the tools may vary andfor purpose of example I have illustrated several different tools whichmay be considered typical of those that can be used to advantage. InFigs. 1 to 15, inclusive, of the drawings I illustrate two forms oftools employed simultaneously in the machine,

whereas in Figs. 16 to 21, inclusive, I illustrate two other form oftools which may be used if desired. The particular tool illustrated inFigs. 12 to 15, inclusive, involves a piercing nose 60 which is roundand which has a sharp or piercing edge 61 that cuts the blank to form around open ing from which a slug 52 is removed. The particular nose tohere illustrated is of substantial length so that it enters asubstantial distance into the blank through the opening as it isinitially formed. A hole swedging or enlarging portion 63 adjoins thepiercing nose 6!] and in this case is a tapered or gradually enlargingpart which, when forced or introduced into the opening initially formedin the blank acts to spread the ma terial around the hole until the holereaches the final size or form. In the form of tool illustrated in Figs.16 to 18, inclusive, the spreading or swedg- Y ing portion 63 instead ofbeing conical or tapered is stepped, and operates in the'manner shown inthese figures of the drawings to enlarge the hole initially formed. Inthe tool shown in Figs. 19

to 21 the piercing nose 68 is confined to the tipend of the tool and theswedging or hole enlarging portion 63 is tapered as is the correspondingpart shown in Figs. 12 to 15, and it immediately is shown in Figs. 16 to18 of the drawings. However, this particular tool is further providedwith a base portion 66 which is moved into engagement with the blank inthe vicinity of the hole being formed in the blank so that the exterior.

7 of the blank in the immediate vicinity of the hole is shaped in apredetermined manner, as for instance so that it has a flat portion orland 67.

The several tools provided in the machine are preferably carried by thebeam I4 of the frame. In the particular case illustrated the tools whichare included in the vertical series of tools are carried in guideopenings I9 provided in the body of the beam I4, while the tools of thehorizontal series are carried in guide openings II in the flange 23 ofthe beam. In the case illustrated certain of the tools are slidablycarried in openings formed directly in the stock or material of the beamI4 while others are carried in guide bushings I2. In the particular caseillustrated the tools having stems I3 which are round in cross sectionare carried in bushings while the tool shown in Figs. and 6, which has astem 14 rectangular in cross section is carried in an opening I9 formeddirectly in the body of beam I4.

In accordance with the present invention each tool is provided with anindividual actuating mechanism G and in the case of the tools formingthe vertical series the actuating mechanisms are carried by the top beamI3 whereas in the case of the tools in the horizontal series theactuating mechanisms are carried by the side beam I5. In accordance withthe invention the tools may be spaced in various manners lengthwise ofthe beam I4, depending upon the location of guide openings in the beam,and the particular beam that is employed may have various guide openingsthat can be used as desired, or beam-s I4 with guide openings variouslyspaced may be employed, as circumstances require. By reason of thisfeature the actuating mechanisms G are adjustable lengthwise of thebeams by which they are carried or to which they are secured so that theactuating mechanisms G can be positioned to be properly aligned with thetools operated thereby. In the case of the actuating mechanisms G foroperating the tools of the vertical series one actuating mechanism G,being the one illustrated in detail in Fig. 5 of the drawings, islocated in a fixed position lengthwise of beam I3 while the others areadjustable to various position along beam I3. One of the mechanisms Gadjustable along the beam I3 is shown in detail in Fig. 7 of thedrawings. In the particular case illustrated the actuating mechanism Gwhich is in fixed position lengthwise of beam I3 is located within thebeam I3, while the shiftable mechanisms Gxare secured to the bottom ofbeam I3 and depend therefrom.

The beam I3 in the case illustrated in the drawings is a box-shapedstructure including a bottom plate 80, a top plate 81 and spacedvertical side plates 82. The side plates 82 are shown integrally joinedto the bottom plate 80, as by welding 83 while the top plate 8| issecured to the side plates 82 by releasable fasteners 84.

The particular actuating mechanism fixed lengthwise of the beam I3 andshown in Fig. 5 includes a cylinder 85 arranged at the lower side of thetop plate BI so that the top plate closes the upper end of the cylinder.A head 86 closes the lower end of the cylinder and passes a piston rod8! which carries a piston 88 that operates in the cylinder 85. Suitablepacking means 89 is provided to establish a fluid tight seal around therod as it issues from the head 86. The rod 8'! passes freely through anopening 99 in the bottom plate and depends from the beam I3 to beconnected with the tool F by means of a suitable coupling 9|. Theparticular coupling 9| provided in connection with the operatingmechanism G shown in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings involves an uppersection 92 connected with the piston rod 8! to be. in effect, a part ordepending continuation thereof and a lower section 93 which receives andholds the shank 94 of the tool. The sections 92 and 93 have engaged orcooperating parts 95 and 96, respectively, which overlie each other orhook together so that they can be engaged and disengaged by shifting ofthe upper and lower sections horizontally relative to each other. Withthis construction the beam I4 when released from the side plates of theframe can be shifted horizontally to disengage the coupling SI. In thecase illustrated the lower section 93 of the coupling has a socket 91which receives the shank 94 of the tool and a set screw 98 retains theshank 94 in the socket 91.

The upper section 92 is, in effect, a depending part of the rod 98. Inthe particular case illustrated it is shown as a separate part joined tothe rod 99 by a threaded connection I98 and the connection is set orlocked by a suitable lock nut I09.

The upper section 92, is, in effect, a depending part of the rod 98. Inthe particular case illustrated it is shown as a separate part joined tothe rod 98 by a threaded connection I98 and the connection is set orlocked by a suitable lock nut I99.

Each of the actuating mechanisms G shiftable along the beam I3 may beessentially the same as the mechanism G above described, that is, it mayinclude, generally, a cylinder closed at its lower end by a head 8Bwhich passes a piston rod 8! carrying a piston 88 that operates incylinder 85*. In this case, however, the details of which are shown inFig. 7, a head IlII closes the upper end of cylinder 85 and is engagedwith a guide rib I92 provided on the lower side of the bottom plate 89of beam I3. The guide rib I92 is shown as having upwardly convergingsides so that it is, in effect, dovetailed and the head I9I is fitted tothe rib to be held thereon and has a section I03 operable or shiftableby means of a screw I94 so that the head can be set on the rib I92against movement lengthwise of the beam. Through this construction theoperating mechanism G can be shifted along the beam to be in verticalalignment with the tool F that is to be operated by it and it isconnected with the tool by a suitable releasable coupling 9I Theparticular coupling 9% shown in Figs. '7 and 8 of the drawings differsslightly from that shown in Fig. 6. The coupling 9i has an upper section92 held on the lower end of the rod 8! by a pin III). The lower section93' of coupling 9I has a socket 9! holding the shank 94*- of the tooland the sections 92 and 93 have engaged parts 95 and 96 which normallyconnect the sections together and which are subject to being disengagedby relative movement of the sections laterally.

The actuating mechanisms G for the tools of the horizontal series may besubstantially identical with the actuating mechanisms that are shiftablealong beam I3 and they may be shiftable along beam I5 One of thesemechanisms is illustrated inEigs. 9 and 10 of the drawings. A-comparisonof Figs. '7 and 9 will reveal that these mechanisms G of the verticaland horizontal series may be the same and it will be apparent that themechanisms G of the horizontal series may be carried by beam ,I 5through a guide rib I02 corresponding to the guide rib I 02 hereinabovedescribed. It is to be observed that the head IBI shown in Fig. 11 whichmay be the head of the mechanism shown in Fig. 9 or that shown in Fig.'7, is rectangular in form and it will be observed from the drawin sthat these heads of the mechanisms G are arranged on the guide ribs sothat they extend transversely of the ribs and occupy minimum amounts ofthe ribs lengthwise thereof. Through this construction it is possible toarrange actuating mechanisms Gr close together along the beams and thusoperate tools to establish apertures at close intervals along the blankB.

The pressure generating means H as shown in the drawings involves areservoir I20. carrying a'supply of operating fluid such as oil, asuitable pump I 2I receiving oil from the reservoir through a suctionline I22, and delivering it under pressure to an outlet line I23, and amotor I24 driving :the pump.

In the preferred arrangement the reservoir I29 is a box-like structurelocated in the lower portion of the frame A to one side of the bottombeam I2 so that it is below the side beam I5, and it extends between theend plates Ill.

The fluid distributing system J includes, gen erally, a reversing valveI30 that receives fluid under pressure from the outlet I23 of the pump,returns fluid to the reservoir I through an exhaust line I3I, andcontrols the flow of fluid to and from lines I32 and I33 which connectwith manifolds I34 and I35, respectively. The valve I is operatedelectrically as by means of solenoids or windings I3! and I 38 and whenit is in one position it passes fluid under pressure to connection I32while fluid exhausts from connection I33. When the valve is in the otherposition it supplies fluid under pressure to connection I33 While fluidexhausts from connection I32. The manifold I34 is connected to the outerends of thecylinders of the actuating mechanisms G as by individualcylinder connections L40 while the manifold 1.35 is connected to theinner ends of the cylinders of mechanisms G by indiv dual cylinder linesMI.

1 Through the construction and arrangement just described it will beapparent that operating fluid under pressure can be admitted to theouter ends of the cylinders of mechanisms G while it is exhausted fromthe inner ends thereof, to the end that the mechanisms operate the thetools into pressure engagement with the blank held in the machine, andunder this condition the full force of the pressure generated by themeans H is delivered to the actuating mechanisms G and forces the toolsinto engagement with the blank in such manner as to cause the desiredpiercing and swedging actions to occur. When the valve I30 is reversedthe mechanisms G are retracted or operated in the opposite directioncausing the tools to be withdrawn or retracted from the blank followingwhich the clamp can be released, freeing the apertured blank so it canbe removed from the machine.

It is important to observe that with the mechanlsm provided by thisinvention the blank is not pierced nor swedged by impact or bystrikingthe blank with a tool, but rather the several tools are broughtinto engagement with the blank rapidly but without violently strikingthe blank and when all of the tools have engaged the blank and arestopped thereby the pressure develops in such manner as to force-thetools through the blank usually forcing one somewhat ahead of another asthe structure of the blank offers varying resistance to the tools. Inpractice all or several of the tools may operate simultaneously or thetools may operate in succession, one immediately following the other sothat the operation is substantially instantaneous.

The control provided by the present invention and which is illustrateddiagrammatically in Fig. 22 of the drawings coordinates the action ofthe working parts and particularly the valves 55 and I30 and puts themechanism effectively under control of three switches, namely a main .ormaster switch I 50, a starter switch I5I and a retracting switch I52.The control involves an electrical system in which the winding 6ioperating valve 56 is connected and in which the windings I31 and I38operating valve I30 are connected. The system also involves suitablemechanical and electrical features including a normally open relay I55under direct control of the starter switch I5I, a normally closed relayI56 under control of the retracting switch I 5.2, a switch I51controlling the windings that operate the valve I36 and a time delaymechanism I58.

The switch I50 connects the electrical system with a power line L sothat the system is suitably supplied with electrical energy. The starterswitch is connected in the circuit or system so that when it is closed,as by manual operation, it acts through the normally closed relay I 55which may be a self-energizing or sustaining relay to energize winding5i so that the valve 55 is operated to a position which causes thetoggle mechanism to be actuated through the means E. Assuming a blank tohave been placed on the jaw 3| of clamp C operation of the togglemechanism from the position shown in Fig. 4 to that shown in Fig. 1 setsthe blank in the machine ready to be operated upon and when the togglemechanism reaches the fully actuated position, as shown in Fig. l, theswitch I51, which may be a snap switch, closes. The switch 151 isconnected with winding I31 so that when this switch is closed it actsthrough the normally closed relay so that valve I30 is operated to aposition causing fluid under pressure to be admitted to the outer endsof the cylinders of the mechanisms G. The control system remains in thiscondition as the mechanisms G operate until all of the tools havecompleted their operations on the blank B.

To retract the tools and release the clamp so that the ap-ertured blankcan be removed from the machine the switch I52 is closed, preferably bymanual operation. The switch I52 acting through the relay I56 energizeswinding I38 causing the valve I36 to be reversed so that fluid underpressure is admitted to the inner ends of the cylinders of mechanisms Gand at the same time the control winding I of the time delay mechanism$58 is energized and tends to move plunger ill outward in cylinder I 72,which operation is controlled by a needle valve I73 which regulates theadmission of air into the cylinder I72 behind the piston I'H. After apredetermined time delay resulting from the mechanism just described aswitch I74 is opened and acts through the relay I55 so that the windingEl is deenergized, whereupon valve 55 returns to its unactuated positionthrough the action of a spring I80, 'causing the means E to be retractedor reversed in such manner as to release the toggle mechanism to theposition shown in Fig. 4.. When the toggle mechanism has been releasedthe mechanism has completed its cycle and the apertured blank can beremoved and another blank placed in the machine ready to be acted upon.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that the presentinvention provides for rapidly operating upon a pipe or blank to providea plurality of apertures or openings therein, which openings may beprovided at various places along the blank and in various positionsaround the blank. The apertures or openings are initially formed smallerthan is finally desired and the material of the pipe is swedged orspread so that the wall thickness at the openings is increased,providing ample material in which to form threads or other featuressuitable for receiving fittings or the like. It will be apparent thatthe operation of the machine is such that it requires no great skill. Anoperator may easily and quickly place a blank on the jaw of the clampagainst a suitable stop 256, thus locating the blank in a predeterminedposition in the machine. When the starter switch I| is actuated theoperation of the machine is started causing the clamp to be set, whichoperation is immediately followed by actuation of the tools and as soonas they have completed their action on the blank the operator can returnthe mechanism to the unactuated position by actuating switch I52.Through the action of the t me delay mechanism l58 the return of thetoggle mechanism and thus retraction of the clamp is delayed long enoughto insure complete disengage ment of all of the tools from the blank. Byconfining the blank in the machine in the manner clearly illustratedthroughout the drawings the desired operations may be performed on theblank by pressure as distinguished from impact, spinning, or other likeactions, and yet the pipe or blank is not deformed or pressed out ofround but rather is maintained in its original shape or form, except asit is acted upon by the tools. Further, by reason of forming the blankthrough pressure applied at such rate that the tools and the blank arenot heated appreciably, there is no tempering or surface hardening ofthe metal of the blank to retard or interfere with further machining,finishing, or cutting of the blank, as circumstances may require.

Having described only a typical preferred form of apparatus and mannerof carrying out the method ofmy invention, I do not wish to be limitedor restricted to the specific detai s herein set forth, but wish toreserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear tothose skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the followingclaims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A machine for establishing openings in a tubular blank including, arigid frame having spaced vertical end plates and a plurality ofhorizontal beams fixed between the plates including a center beam havinga blank receiving seat therein and vertical and horizontal tool openingscommunicating with the seat, two beams vertically removed from thecenter beam one above it and the other below it, and a side beam spacedhorizontally from the center beam, a clamp movable vertically andcooperating with the center beam to confine and hold an elongate tubularblank, operating means for the clamp acting between the clamp and one ofsaid two beams, tools operating in the tool openings to act on the blankfrom different directions laterally thereof, operating means carried bythe other of said two beams and operating the tools in vertical toolopenings, and operating means carried by the side beam and operating thetools in the horizontal tool openings.

2. A machine for establishing openings in a tubular blank including, arigid frame having spaced vertical end plates and a plurality ofhorizontal beams fixed between the plates including a center beam havinga blank receiving seat therein and vertical and horizontal tool openingscommunicating with the seat, two beams vertically removed from thecenter beam one above it and the other below it, and a side beam spacedhorizontally from the center beam, a clamp movable vertically andcooperating with the center beam to confine and hold an elongate tubularblank, operating means for the clamp acting between the clamp and one ofsaid two beams, tools operating in the tool openings to act on the blanklaterally thereof, fluid pressure actuated operating means carried bythe other of said two beams and operating the tools in vertical toolopenings, and fluid pressure actuated operating means carried by theside beam and operating the tools in the horizontal tool openings.

3. A machine for establishing openings in a tubular blank including, aframe having spaced vertical end plates and a plurality of horizontalbeams fixed between the plates including a center beam having a blankreceiving seat therein and vertical and horizontal tool openingscommunicating with the seat, two beams vertically removed from thecenter beam one above it and the other below it, and a side beam spacedhorizontally from the center beam, a clamp movable vertically andcooperating with the center beam to confine and hold an elongate tubularblank, a fluid pressure actuated toggle mechanism for operating theclamp and acting between the clamp and one of said two beams, toolsoperating in the tool openings to act on the blank, operating meanscarried by the other of said two beams and operating the tools invertical tool openings, and operating means carried by the side beam andoperating the tools in the horizontal tool openings, each of the toolshaving a cutting end engaging the blank to cut a section therefrom andhaving an enlarged swedge portion entering and enlarging the openingmade by the cutting end by swedging action that thickens the wall of theblank.

4. A. machine for establishing openings in a tubular blank including, aframe having spaced vertical end plates and a plurality of horizontalbeams fixed between the plates including a center beam having a blankreceiving seat therein and vertical and horizontal tool openingscommunicating with the seat, two beamsvertically removed from the centerbeam one above it and h other below it, and a side beam spacedhorizontally from the center beam, a clamp movable vertically andcooperating with the center beam to confine and hold an elongate tubularblank, operating means for the clamp acting between the clamp and one ofsaid two beams, tools operatin in the tool openings to act on the blank,operating means carried by the other of said two beams and operating thetools in vertical tool openings, operating means carried by the sidebeam and 13 operating the tools in the horizontal tool openings, and asingle means supplying operating fluid to the tool operating means forsubstantially simultaneous operation thereof.

5. A machine for establishing openings in a tubular blank including, aframe having spaced vertical end plates and a plurality of horizontalbeams fixed between the plates including a center beam having a blankreceiving seat therein and vertical and horizontal tool openingscommunicating with the seat, two beam vertically removed from the centerbeam one above it and the other below it, and a side beam spacedhorizontally from the center beam, a clamp movable vertically andcooperating with the center beam to confine and hold an elongate blank,a toggle mechanism actuating the clamp and acting under compressionbetween the clamp and one of said two beams, pneumatic actuating meanfor the toggle mechanism, tools operating in th tool openings to act onthe blank transversely thereof, operating means carried by the other ofsaid two beams and operating the tools in vertical tool openings,operating means carried by th side beam and operating the tools in thehorizontal tool openings, and a single means supplying operating fluidto the tool operating means for substantially simultaneous operationthereof.

6. A machine for establishing openings in a tubular blank including, aframe having spaced clamp and the bottom beam, tools in the openings,tool operating mechanisms carried by the top beam, and releasablecouplings connecting the tools and said tool operating mechanisms, thecouplings being engaged and released by shiftin of the center beamlaterally of the tools.

SYLVESTER. I J. HAMILTON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,458,294 Hook June 12, 1921,812,023 Se-avey June 30, 1931 1,813,152 Enghauser July '7, 19311,851,841 Humphris Mar. 29, 1932 2,416,348 Renier Feb. 25, 194

